Walker Creek #1
Walker Creek #1 is an earth dam located in Wood County, West Virginia, built in 1974. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Walker Creek #1
The primary purpose of Walker Creek #1 is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Wood County Parks And Recreation (local government). It impounds the Walker Creek near Walker.
The dam stands 64 feet tall and stretches 490 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 48 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 730 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1974, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/30/2023.
At 64 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The West Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Wood |
| Nearest City | Walker |
| River/Stream | Walker Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.23944, -81.31361 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 64 ft |
| Dam Height | 64 ft |
| Dam Length | 490 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 730 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 730 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 48 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | WOOD COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/30/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WV10707 |
| Federal ID | WV10707 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |